Question

What is the meaning of the phrase "Fifty-four Forty or Fight"?

Answer 1

This phrase was a slogan for people who wanted to expand the United States far to the north in the Oregon Territory.

It means people were declaring that they wanted all of Oregon to the line of 54° 40' north latitude.

Answer 2

The meaning of the slogan was that the US should go to war with Britain unless Britain gave the US the entire Oregon Territory. This issue ended with the boundary being set at the 49th parallel. ... "Fifty-four Forty or Fight" became the slogan of the expansionists.

Step-by-step explanation:

Polk called for expansion that included Texas, California, and the entire Oregon territory. The northern boundary of Oregon was the latitude line of 54 degrees, 40 minutes. "Fifty-four forty or fight!" was the popular slogan that led Polk to victory against all odds.